Overview

Hatchery Managers over see all aspects of an aquaculture hatchery including the management of personnel, fish, infrastructure and equipment. 

What responsibilities will I have?

• Track fish life cycles to determine the proper time for harvesting or release
• Look for disease and treat as needed
• Find ways to trap and breed in an environmentally friendly and economical way
• Oversee water quality assurance/quality control program
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and information regarding hatchery equipment and operations
• Develop and track hatchery budget
• Manage fish care, maintenance, packing and transfer activities
• Hires and trains hatchery staff and supervises employees
• Maintains records and prepares reports on hatchery operation, ensures inventories, equipment, and capital improvements are properly maintained, coordinates hatchery operation with other department functions, provides input on new hatchery designs
• Ensures worker safety requirements are met
• Works with nutritionists to develops feeding rations and schedules needed for specified growth rates for a variety of aquatic species
• Meets with federal and state officials to establish priorities for fish production and coordinate research projects; makes presentations to interested groups and technical committees;
• Conducts hatchery tours, explains operations and answers questions on fish production

What education and training is required?

Hatchery managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in fisheries science, aquaculture, hatchery management or hatchery maintenance.

To pursue a career as a hatchery manager:

The following high school courses are recommended:  agricultural education, animal science, mathematics, English, biology, chemistry, wildlife biology and environmental sciences.

Where can I work?

Aquaculture hatchery managers are employed by large commercial fisheries who produce and harvest fish.  They may also be employed by state and government environmental agencies.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The future outlook for a hatchery manager will be good over the next five years.

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• American Fisheries Society
• National Aquaculture Association